Read 2023 candidate statements here:
Christopher Ackerman
I have been a Montessori educator for fifty years and a homeowner in Montpelier since 1978. I have traveled and lived in numerous places internationally, but feel that Montpelier is my real home. If I can be of service to others, I will try my best. Lately, I have been delivering meals once a week from the senior center Meals on Wheels program. I look forward to being a member of the Advisory Council.
Heather Bailey
I am a retired educator and have been a resident in Montpelier for the past 9 years. Included in my volunteer work are: Montpelier Food Pantry, ESL teacher for CVABE, Green Mountain Club trip leader, and membership coordinator for the Montpelier section of the club. In addition, I serve on the City of Montpelier Recreation Advisory Board. I served in the Peace Corps in Panama 2012-2014, where I assisted Panamanian English teachers in a classroom setting and presented workshops on teaching English to non-native speakers.
Mary Carlson
I served on the MSAC Advisory Council in the past and would be honored to win a new two-year term. A Vermont native, I have lived in the Montpelier area since 1969. I enjoy puzzles, laughter, physical activity, movies, reading, singing, and volunteering but hate housekeeping and cell phones. My son, Josh, lives in South Burlington. I retired in 2015 after 28 years as Food & Nutrition Program Coordinator for the State Department for Children and Families. That role followed 14 years as the executive assistant for the agency now called Capstone Community Action. Both positions involved responsibility for public funds, program design/management, and participation in advisory groups. I was a founding board member of the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger, now called Hunger Free Vermont, and a founding board member and past president of the National Association of Farmers Market Nutrition Programs. I hold BA and MPA degrees from UVM and have published research papers and reports on poverty-related topics.
Gail Carrigan
My parents were part of the early generation of downhill skiers and would talk fondly of Vermont when I was growing up. So, I wasn’t surprised that I fell head over heels in love with Vermont on my first visit here in 1996. My husband Joe and I made a huge life change and moved cross country to finally be able to relocate to Vermont in 2014. We have been astounded by the warmth and kindness in this wonderful community. On recommendation from an early acquaintance, I joined MSAC and began to participate in yoga, swimming, and art classes –all taught by talented instructors. My background is in communications and graphic design. I am a practicing artist, as well as administrator of Friends of the Vermont State House, chair of a weeklong arts retreat on Star Island, and a board member and webmaster of the Art Resource Association in Montpelier. I worked for the Vermont State Legislature for five years. I bring to the Advisory Council strategic planning skills, operational expertise, and a creative mindset.
Dianne Maccario
In my four (going on 5) years on the Advisory Council and the Program Committee, I have learned a lot about MSAC and what it takes to run a center that offers programs, provides meals, and serves as a place to gather and learn. I’ve also seen how the organization and staff can adapt to the many challenges presented by the pandemic. I appreciate the center a great deal more now than when I first started taking classes and see even more clearly how much it means to our community. It’s a place we can be truly proud of, and I hope to continue for another one-year term on the Advisory Council, doing what I can to participate in projects, communicate with members, and support and advise the staff. This year, I signed up for the Membership and Fundraising committees because there is a lot to be done. Please consider joining a committee.
Laura Morse
I grew up in Calais as a 7th and 8th-generation Vermonter. After living in Berlin for over 25 years, I moved out of the house, which took a direct hit from Irene, to a house high on a hill in East Montpelier. My first experience at MSAC was with the Ukulele group. I had so much fun that I became a member so I could take advantage of the diverse classes offered at the center. I currently lead the Monday/Friday combination Bone Builders/ Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program class that meets from 3:15 to 4:30. I have served on the Advisory Council for five years supporting MSAC’s mission to provide opportunities for the aging Central Vermont population to keep active, both physically and mentally. As one of the Council members from a supporting town, I advocate for the supporting towns’ interests.
Rick Winston
I have been living in Adamant since 1970 and am the former co-owner/manager of the Savoy Theater (1980-2009) and the former programming director of the Green Mountain Film Festival (1999-2012). I have spoken about my recent book, Red Scare in the Green Mountains: Vermont in the McCarthy Era 1945-1960, at MSAC, and my new book, Save me a Seat! A Life with Movies, will be out in August. I have gotten to know MSAC through teaching Film Appreciation classes since 2012. I have had a growing appreciation for all that the organization has done for its members and how much it contributes to the vibrancy of our community. I’ve attended many events sponsored by MSAC and have my eye on several classes that I’d like to take. I have spoken on MSAC’s behalf at Calais Town Meeting, and I hope to continue on the Advisory Council for another two-year term.
Next Meeting Date, Time, Location, Agenda & Minutes:
The next meeting is on-site at MSAC (58 Barre Street) on TBD (updates coming soon).